The Athletics Community Prospect List: 18th Spot Goes To Junior Perez
In an effort to streamline the nomination process, I invite you to participate in the voting by replying to this comment with your picks. Upvote the player you'd like to see on the next nominee list.
Junior Perez, a speedy and powerful outfielder, takes the 18th spot on our annual Community Prospect List. Despite being one of the more unheralded prospects in the Athletics' farm system, Perez made a significant impact at Triple-A last year with impressive statistics: a .298/.412/.642 batting average, which was 43% better than the league average. His legitimate power is evident in his 26 home runs between Double and Triple-A, and his speed is showcased by 27 steals across both levels. Additionally, Perez's versatility as an outfielder, capable of playing all three spots, further solidifies his potential as a late bloomer for the A's this season.
Next up is right-hander Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang, who spent the entire past season in Double-A and set a new career-high with 145 innings pitched. His strikeout and walk rates were solid, but he also allowed an astonishing 22 home runs. To improve, Zhuang needs to focus on keeping the ball in the park, especially as he moves up to the hitter-friendly environment of Triple-A.
The voting process is straightforward. Please read the following instructions before participating:
- Vote for only one player.
- The player with the most votes at the end of the voting period will secure the 19th spot. The remaining four players will move on to the next ballot, joined by a new nominee.
- In the comments section, below the official voting, the community will nominate players for the next round. Use the format: "Nomination: Player Name".
- If a prospect is traded, their name will be crossed out, and all other players will move up a spot. If a prospect is acquired, a special vote will determine their ranking.
A's fans, here's a glimpse of the top prospects:
- Leo De Vries, SS
- Jamie Arnold, LHP
- Gage Jump, LHP
- Wei-En Lin, LHP
- Braden Nett, RHP
- Henry Bolte, OF
- Johenssy Colome, SS
- Edgar Montero, SS
- Steven Echavarria, RHP
- Devin Taylor, OF
- Mason Barnett, RHP
- Tommy White, 3B
- Henry Baez, RHP
- Zane Taylor, RHP
- Cole Miller, RHP
- Gunnar Hoglund, RHP
- Shotaro Morii, SS/RHP
- Junior Perez, OF
The voting continues! It's time to vote for the 19th-best player in the system. Here's a quick overview of each nominee, including their scouting grades (on a 20-to-80 scale) and reports from MLB Pipeline.
Kade Morris, RHP
Expected level: Triple-A | Age: 23
2025 stats (AA/AAA): 4.38 ERA, 28 starts, 150 IP, 128 K, 48 BB, 16 HR, 4.71 FIP
Scouting grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 40
Morris throws a four-seam fastball around 95-96 mph and a sinker in the 92-95 range. His slider is above-average, and his curveball provides pitch variation. He's athletic and competitive, but needs to find a consistent arm slot.
A.J. Causey, RHP
Expected level: Double-A | Age: 23
2025 stats (A+/AA): 1.72 ERA, 48 appearances, 73 1/3 IP, 75 K, 18 BB, 0 HR, 2.28 FIP
Causey's sidearm delivery creates movement and deception. He added a four-seam fastball this season, improving his top-of-the-zone performance. Causey's fast rise through the ranks makes him an intriguing prospect for the Royals' bullpen.
Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang, RHP
Expected level: Double-A | Age: 25
2025 stats (AA): 4.08 ERA, 26 starts (28 appearances), 145 2/3 IP, 145 K, 35 BB, 22 HR, 4.19 FIP
Zhuang's four-seam fastball can reach 95 mph, and he also throws a split-finger with diving action. His low-80s slider and mid-70s curveball add to his arsenal. However, Zhuang's history of injuries raises concerns about his durability as a starter.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, SS
Expected level: Double-A | Age: 23
2025 stats (A+/AA): 549 PA, .296/.359/.372, 30 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 47 RBI, 40 BB, 49 K, 27 SB
Kuroda-Grauer's athletic build and work ethic draw comparisons to Marcus Semien. His advanced approach and high contact rate make him a promising prospect. While his power is below-average, the A's believe he could develop extra pop with a 15-homer potential ceiling.
Yunior Tur, RHP
Expected level: Triple-A | Age: 26
2025 stats (A+/AA/AAA): 3.29 ERA, 26 starts (30 appearances), 125 2/3 IP, 130 K, 60 BB, 7 HR, 3.79 FIP
Tur, 26, signed with the A's in 2023 after several seasons in Cuba. He started almost all last year, moving from High A to Triple A. He's a reliever with a 96 mph fastball, a 55 splitter, and a low-90s cutter. His slider is average, and his north-south arm slot could make him a big-league bullpen option.
